Mac Rumors & Macworld

With the iPhone, iPod Touch and now iPad, Apple seems to be larger than ever. Indeed, it was just in May 2010 that Apple’s worth/market share surpassed that of leading rival, Microsoft.

So where exactly is Apple’s hype in the Internet community, besides social networking?

Well, let’s take two websites for show: Mac Rumors & Macworld.

Here is the gist of what both of these sites are all about (at their cores):

Mac Rumors is essentially a site that focuses on all news and rumors surrounding Apple.

Macworld is a site that provides a number of different types of content. First, they are the website extension of the acclaimed Macworld Magazine. They run news stories, reviews, consumer assistances, etc. While the focus is primarily on Apple product, they also cover non-Apple consumer electronics.

In connecting both sites - obviously, both sites are themed around Mac/Apple (a clear over arching theme in their names).

While they may brand themselves in two different arenas (via their mission statements), they provide extremely similar content that isn’t necessarily advertised in their respective mission statements.

For example, a la Mac Rumors, Macworld partakes in the predicting future Apple technologies (more than the average user would think from their core branding).

On November 29, Macworld ran a piece entitled “The Mac of the future." The post essentially predicted upcoming technologies on future Mac computers. It essentially contrasts their core assets of serving as an “all news & consumer product reviews site.” It follows in the footsteps of Mac Rumors.

Mac Rumors does not solely post news and rumors regarding Apple. They, in addition to Macworld, have a Buyers Guide to assist consumers in providing information on Apple products.

While yes, both of these sites have various points of interest, the overarching theme on both of these sites is to provide information (news, rumors, reviews, consumer reports, etc) - a complete 360 degree package - on Apple products.

Has Apple hit a sweet spot?

So Black Friday has passed us. And we are officially in the holiday buying season.

In terms of consumer electronic devices, what do people want to buy? What kind of laptops?

I saw this article online that basically states Apple is officially playing hard ball with competitors. The once underdog is now a consumer favorite - yes, it has been on the rise for several years. But now there are statistic to back up the claim.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-13924_3-20023909-64.html

This article states that of users planning to buy laptops in 90 days, 36% plan to go the MacBook route. Up 11% points since last month. Dell is down, HP is down.

Simply put - Apple is controlling over 33% of the market share within the next 90 days in the laptop category.

Don't forget, this does not include ultra-portable devices such as iPads or iPhones.

This can certainly be attributed to the new release of the MacBook Air - both 13" and 11" models, featuring .68" at its thickest point and complete flash storage.

The fact that these new MacBook Airs are classified in the laptop category, one would think it would not effect netbook market share (two different classifications, technically). But traditional netbook sales are down. Consumers realize that although the Macbook Air is technically classified as a laptop, it has the core features of a netbook - though much more advanced.

I'll be curious to see how sales ultimately pan out after the holiday season.

Michael Vick

Michael Vick is one of the comeback stories of the NFL.

Scratch that. One of the comeback stories in all of sports. History.

To think, two years ago, Vick was confined to a prison cell - solitary confinement, with only the thought of what he had been and where he wound up. And the accumulation of regret...inconceivable to me.

Well it is certainly a different picture for Vick, now.

While initially, it was the story that garnered attention - now it is his play. A quantitative look at Vick would not reveal any backstory or indefinite suspension.

Food for thought - here are stats for Vick's performance to date this season:

- 1,608 passing yards.

- 11 passing TDs.

- 5 rushing TDs.

- 375 rushing yards.

- 0 interceptions

- 0 fumbles.

- Quarterback rating: 108.7

All of this despite missing three games with a rib injury. Incredible.

He is statistically the best quarterback in the NFL at the moment. His story is the sweetener.

The Eagles took a leap of faith when they decided to sign him last year. But it payed off. Ultimately, they had nothing to lose and Vick had nothing to lose. He had seen the worst and could only go up.

That he did.

His work ethic improved. His attitude improved. His focus improved. He became lighter, more in shape, faster, leaner.

Overall, he is better than he had been in his "prime."

Regardless, the most important aspect of all of this - he is a leader.

His team is now first in the NFC with a 7-3. Poised to clinch a playoff berth.

Now, all we can do is wait and see the end result.